The world of professional grappling, a domain known for its intricate techniques and often equally intricate personalities, is currently experiencing a significant tremor. At the epicenter of this seismic activity are two of its most prominent figures: Craig Jones, the charismatic Australian grappling phenom, and Gordon Ryan, the self-proclaimed `King` of the sport.
A recent announcement from Jones, signaling the conclusion of his illustrious competitive career, has not only sent ripples through the community but has also provided fertile ground for one of grappling`s most enduring rivalries to erupt anew, courtesy of a scathing public commentary from Ryan.
The Curtain Call for Craig Jones
Jones, known for his innovative leg locks and equally sharp wit, recently dropped a bombshell: his professional competitive career will conclude after the second Craig Jones Invitational (CJI 2) event. Scheduled for August 30 and 31 in Las Vegas, CJI 2 is poised to be the arena for Jones` final competitive bow, where he is set to face Olympic wrestling gold medalist, Gable Steveson.
In his announcement, Jones referred to the event as “our farewell tour to America,” implying a broader shift in his life beyond the competitive mats. His plans post-August 31 remain largely enigmatic, with Jones himself stating, “After Aug. 31, I don’t know what I’m doing, but you will not see me again.” This statement suggests a significant retreat from the public eye, a surprising move for an athlete who has not only achieved considerable success but has also cultivated a large and engaged following.
Jones` competitive resume is undeniably impressive, boasting accolades such as an IBJJF world championship, multiple ADCC silver medals, and three Polaris championships. Beyond his individual accomplishments, he has also transitioned effectively into a coaching role, notably working with UFC champions like Alexander Volkanovski and Jack Della Maddalena, and has successfully launched his own promotional venture, the Craig Jones Invitational.
B-Team`s Evolution: A New Chapter
Beyond his personal competitive farewell, Jones also signaled a significant shift for B-Team Jiu-Jitsu, the esteemed academy he has spearheaded. The team is set for a rebranding, with his younger brother, Nicky Ryan, stepping into the head coaching position. The core roster, including talents such as Nicky Rod, Ethan Crelinsten, and Damian Anderson, is expected to remain, ensuring continuity of the team`s distinctive style and competitive presence.
This transition marks a pivotal moment for B-Team, as it navigates the departure of its founder and public face while attempting to maintain its elite status in the grappling landscape under new leadership.
Gordon Ryan`s Incendiary Counter-Punch
True to form, Gordon Ryan, never one to mince words – or indeed, to miss an opportunity to assert his dominance – wasted no time in issuing a scathing retort to Jones` announcements. Ryan`s response was not merely critical; it was a broadside filled with pointed allegations and a palpable sense of vindication, published for all the grappling world to see.
Ryan`s central premise was stark: those who had departed from what he termed “the greatest combat team that has ever existed” (a clear reference to his own long-standing association with the Danaher Death Squad and subsequent King`s Way endeavors) to form their own enterprises were now, in his view, either failing or seeking to return to his fold. This, he argued, was a direct consequence of perceived shortcomings in the leadership of these breakaway groups.
His criticisms of Jones and B-Team were multi-faceted and delivered with characteristic bluntness, ranging from:
- Allegations regarding a leader`s lifestyle choices and competitive record.
- Questioning the leader`s consistent physical presence at the academy, suggesting others carried the daily burden.
- Accusations of internal political maneuvering, specifically regarding how certain team members were allegedly `thrown under the bus` for the sake of public perception.
- A critique of the team`s talent development, asserting a failure to cultivate new elite athletes independently of those who originated from Ryan`s former training environment.
In a final, cutting remark, Ryan declared, “I guess its time for a rebrand, boys. You can call yourselves team bankrupt, starting the first week of August!” He also teased the opening of a new training facility in Austin, Texas, promising “world champions, not blue belts teaching our pro classes,” a direct jab at B-Team`s perceived instructional quality.
The Echoes of a Past Split: A Deeper Feud
To fully appreciate the intensity of Ryan`s broadside, one must recall the complex history that underpins these high-level grappling organizations. The B-Team, in large part, originated from a significant departure of talent from Ryan`s own former collective, the Danaher Death Squad (DDS). The split was contentious, marked by public statements about “cutting out the poison” from both sides, and has simmered beneath the surface of the grappling community ever since.
Ryan`s current commentary, therefore, is not merely a reaction to Jones` retirement; it is a continuation of a deeply personal and ideological feud. It`s a declaration of victory, or at least a claim of vindication, in a long-standing dispute over training philosophies, team loyalty, and personal conduct at the highest echelons of the sport.
The irony, of course, is that the very notion of `cutting out the poison` seems to have a cyclical nature within these elite circles. As Ryan points out with a certain morbid satisfaction, the subsequent ventures of those who split off have themselves experienced internal turmoil, leading to further reconfigurations and, in some cases, the very real prospect of dissolution or significant rebranding.
Beyond the Mats: A Battle of Ideologies
What began as a personal announcement has rapidly escalated into a public debate on leadership, loyalty, and the very philosophy of building an elite combat sports team. The public nature of these disputes highlights the burgeoning professionalism of grappling, where athlete careers, team reputations, and financial interests are increasingly intertwined.
As Craig Jones prepares for his final bow and B-Team undergoes its transformation, the grappling community watches with bated breath. Will Jones` retirement truly mark his disappearance from the scene, or merely a pivot to new, less public ventures? And will Gordon Ryan`s pronouncements prove prophetic, or will B-Team, under Nicky Ryan`s leadership, find a way to defy the predictions and forge a new, stronger identity?
The grappling world, much like its techniques, is constantly evolving, twisting, and submitting to new realities. This latest saga is a potent reminder that beneath the calm facade of technique and competition lies a passionate, often volatile, human drama. And in professional grappling, it seems, the fights often extend far beyond the mat.
